Separable First Order Differential Equations: Solving y'=x√y

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    First order Separable
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the first-order differential equation y' = x√y. Participants explore different approaches to solving the equation and compare their results with a textbook answer.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a solution method involving separation of variables and integration, arriving at y = ((x^2 + C)/4)^2.
  • Another participant suggests that the textbook answer may be addressing a different equation, specifically y' = x/y, and asserts that the original solution is correct.
  • A third participant confirms agreement with the first participant's solution, indicating that they arrived at the same result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correctness of the textbook answer, as participants highlight potential confusion regarding the equations being solved. Multiple views remain regarding the validity of the solutions presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the possibility of the textbook mixing up solutions for different differential equations, which may contribute to the confusion.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and individuals interested in ordinary differential equations, particularly those studying methods of solving first-order separable equations.

dragonblood
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I have tried to solve the differential equation

[tex]y'=x\sqrt{y}[/tex]

like this:

[tex]y^{-\frac{1}{2}}y'=x[/tex]
[tex]\int{y^{-\frac{1}{2}}}dy=\int{xdx}[/tex]
[tex]y^{\frac{1}{2}}=\frac{x^2 +C}{4}[/tex]
[tex]y=\left(\frac{x^2+C}{4}\right)^2[/tex]

Is this the right way to solve it? Because the answer in my textbook says that the answer is
[tex]y=\pm\sqrt{x^2+C}[/tex]

But I really can't see where I've gone wrong.
 
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The textbook's answer solves the diff.eq y'=x/y, rather than the one given.

See if your book may have mixed up the ordering of solutions to various diff.eq problems!

(Your own solution is correct for the problem given)
 
Yes, I got the same solution as you did, dragonblood.

Wow, never thought I could discuss ODEs with someone named dragonblood.

Cool lol

Matt
 
You wouldn't want to know what arildno means in Norwegian, SMLSKDMGLGURU! :smile:
 

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